More From Gov. Ed.

We've Just Had A Chance ...... to speak with Gov. Ed Rendell. Here's what he told us:

In a brief telephone interview this evening, Gov. Ed Rendell said he learned of Knoll's death shortly after 6 p.m. just as he was to take to stage at the Governor's Arts Awards in Williamsport. Rendell said he told the audience of Knoll's passing once the ceremonies had ended. Rendell could not offer any clarification of what had caused Knoll's death. He did say, however, that he had been told that Knoll had stood up for the first time in a long time during a physical therapy session on Wednesday.Rendell said he'd had no conversations with Knoll since "a couple weeks after" her condition was made public last summer.Rendell said his good wishes had been conveyed to Knoll by her family, but "I never got a chance to talk to her."I don't know if her communication skills had been interrupted by her illness," Rendell said.Rendell said he expected Knoll's funeral arrangements would be made public today.He also confirmed that state Senate President Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, had formally assumed the role of lieutenant governor with Knoll's passing. Though not required, a formal swearing-in ceremony will likely take place soon, Rendell said, adding that he expects to speak with Scarnati about his new job today.Speaking of his long-time No. 2, Rendell said Knoll was "a wonderful person and that made her a very effective treasurer and lieutenant governor.""She probably cared more about the people of Pennsylvania and their challenges than anyone who ever held office in Pennsylvania."Referring to her well-publicized gaffes, Rendell said that if Knoll had made mistakes they were "mistakes of the heart."